Skunks are wild animals with a natural defense mechanism against predators. Yet if they spray their stinky liquid on your dog or cat, you could be in for a lengthy process filled with baths and removing the animal's stench. The smell of skunk spray is eye-watering. In addition to permeating your dog or cat's fur, it can set into your carpet and furniture if you are not careful and allow your animal to roam around the house. In addition to smelling horrific, skunk spray is actually dangerous for pets. In fact, the spray has been known to cause illness in pets if it isn't removed promptly.

If your pet is sprayed, a bath won't get rid of the smell. In fact, one of the components that makes up the skunk spray is thioacetates, which makes the smell last a long time, especially when water is added. The effects of being sprayed by a skunk can be serious. Sometimes, the severity of the symptoms depends on which part of the body is sprayed and the proximity of the skunk. Some of the symptoms of illness after a skunk spray include:

• Ocular swelling and red eyes
• Drooling
• Excessive sneezing
• Vomiting
• Temporary blindness after spray
• Squinting

Sometimes, the spray can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, which will eventually result in anemia. In this situation, you may want to take your pet to the vet to be checked out. It is important that you make sure that your pet will not suffer from severe anemia which could possible result in a seizure and eventual death.

Some breeds of dogs are more susceptible than others to severe reactions after being sprayed. For example, Japanese dogs such as Akitas, Shiba Inus' and Tosas tend to have a severe reaction to skunk spray. Cats are more sensitive to the spray and have a higher possibility of developing anemia after an incident occurs. There has not been a lot of research on this situation, so there is not solid proof that skunk spray directly causes anemia, but it may be something to remain cautious about.

If your pet is sprayed, you will want to remove all of the spray with a skunk odor removal. According to Mythbusters, the best way to remove the scent of a skunk is with baking soda and peroxide. In a plastic bucket, mix baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a few teaspoons of liquid soap. Owners should then wash their pet promptly, as the mixture will become less effective if it just sits there for several minutes or hours. Also, you may need to repeat the wash on your pet depending on how successful the first attempt is.

Remember that skunks can also carry rabies, so if your pet is bitten by a skunk then the spray may be the least of your worries. Contact your local vet right away if you believe that your pet was harmed by a skunk and if you need assistance. Also, if you believe that your pet is suffering vision problems after being sprayed by a skunk, you will want a skilled vet there to help. Don't hesitate to contact someone today for more information!